U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023: ICC approves Australia and New Zealand's squad changes

Australia and New Zealand have kickstarted their Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, but have already encountered trouble since they been forced to make some changes in their squad due to injuries.

New Zealand and Australia have had a contrasting start to their Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign as the former cruised to victory after a stunning performance against minnows Indonesia while Australia, one of the favorites to win the tournament, slumped to a shocking defeat against a spirited Bangladesh side. 

New Zealand have suffered a big blow as they have lost left-arm spinner Fran Jones. Jones is an experienced campaigner, having played for the senior side. She has made 23 appearances in both ODIs and T20Is combined for the senior team, however, she has been ruled out of the U19 tournament due to a calf injury, with Kate Irwin named as replacement. Irwin performed well in the National Tournament last year, as she finished the joint-highest wicket taker with 15 wickets to her name.

Meanwhile, Australia have lost Chloe Ainsworth and Jade Allen to thumb fractures, with Ananaya Sharma and Paris Hall named as replacements. Paris, a wicketkeeper-batter, received her maiden Women’s National Cricket League contract with South Australia last year and was named a non-travelling reserve for the ongoing tournament. Meanwhile, Anananya, who was the leading wicket-taker at the U19 Female National Championships, was also named as a non-travelling reserve.

Australia: Charis Bekker, Paris Bowdler, Maggie Clark, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Rhys McKenna, Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Amy Smith, Ella Wilson, Paris Hall, Ananaya Sharma.

Reserves: Samira Dimeglio, Sara Kennedy, Olivia Henry.

New Zealand: Izzy Sharp (c), Olivia Anderson, Anna Browning, Kate Chandler, Natasha Codyre, Izzy Gaze, Antonia Hamilton, Abby Hotton, Louisa Kotkamp, Kayley Knight, Paige Loggenberg, Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Natasha Wakelin, Kate Irwin.

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